Walter Whent (Old Lord Whent)

Walter Whent was Lord of Harrenhal and head of House Whent during the reign of King Aerys II Targaryen. As open-handed as he was rich, in 281 AC—the year of the false spring—he hosted the great tourney at Harrenhal to honor his maiden daughter, announcing it shortly after a visit from his brother, Ser Oswell Whent of the Kingsguard. Many took the lavish prizes as an attempt to outdo Lord Tywin Lannister's Anniversary Tourney of 272 AC, though some whispered that a shadow host—possibly Prince Rhaegar Targaryen—stood behind him. His daughter reigned as queen of love and beauty until Rhaegar unhorsed all challengers and crowned Lyanna Stark in her place, an act that drew the suspicion of King Aerys, who attended unexpectedly. Ser Barristan Selmy remembered him as 'Old Lord Whent.' The sources give no single year for his death, placing it between 281 and 298 AC; he and his four sons and daughter were all dead by 298 AC.